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FURNITURE REPAIRS

Wobbly Chair

A chair usually wobbles because joints have loosened, glue has failed, screws have backed out or one leg is slightly shorter than the others.

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Unload and support furniture before repairing loose joints, hinges or runners

Stop if the item is unstable, cracked, very heavy or likely to collapse. Anchor tall flat-pack furniture to the wall where required.

MOST LIKELY CAUSES

Start with these

Loose joints Mortise, dowel or corner joints may have opened.
Failed glue Old adhesive may no longer hold.
Loose screws Fixings can work free with repeated movement.
Uneven legs One foot may not sit flat on the floor.
◫ Symptom variations Match the exact looseness, movement or surface damage. ⌄
  • Chair rocks side to side
  • Joints creak
  • Leg moves by hand
  • Screws keep loosening
  • Chair is stable only on one surface
✓ Quick checks Simple checks before dismantling furniture. ⌄
  1. Unload and support the item.
  2. Identify the joint or fitting type.
  3. Check screws, connectors and surrounding material.
  4. Look for cracks, swelling or stripped holes.
  5. Use parts suited to the furniture material.
1 Step 1 — Identify the loose joint Unload and support the furniture before dismantling, tightening or glueing joints. ⌄

Sit the chair on a flat surface and move each leg and rail gently.

2 Step 2 — Tighten or dismantle carefully Unload and support the furniture before dismantling, tightening or glueing joints. ⌄

Remove loose fixings and separate only the joint that needs repair.

3 Step 3 — Reglue and clamp Unload and support the furniture before dismantling, tightening or glueing joints. ⌄

Clean the joint, apply suitable wood glue and clamp square until cured.

⌁ Common causes explained Why furniture joints and fittings fail. ⌄

A chair usually wobbles because joints have loosened, glue has failed, screws have backed out or one leg is slightly shorter than the others.

⌘ Advanced diagnostics Further checks for recurring or structural failures. ⌄
  • Repair worn dowel holes.
  • Replace missing corner blocks.
  • Check for cracked timber.
  • Use shims only where structurally suitable.
  • Recheck chair square before glue sets.
▣ Parts and materials needed Common materials linked to this repair. ⌄
  • Wood glue
  • Clamps
  • Replacement screws
  • Dowels
  • Corner blocks
! When to call a professional Conditions that should end basic DIY work. ⌄
  • The furniture could collapse.
  • Structural timber is cracked.
  • A heavy cabinet or table is unstable.
  • Damage is extensive or valuable veneer is involved.
  • Tall furniture cannot be safely anchored.
? Frequently asked questions Common furniture repair questions. ⌄

Should loose joints just be screwed together?

Not always. Traditional glued joints usually need cleaning, reglueing and clamping.

Can chipboard screw holes be repaired?

Yes, with repair plugs, plates or inserts, depending on the load and damage.